Kentucky utility providers pushing back against solar panel opposition

The current solar panel facility by LG&E and KU in Mercer, County on 5-10-2023

by: Georgia McCarthur

Posted: May 11, 2023 / 11:15 AM EDT

Updated: May 11, 2023 / 10:52 AM EDT

MERCER COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky's energy providers are plugging into solar power even though their expansion plans are being met with some opposition.

LG&E and Kentucky Utilities plan to put solar panels on 900 acres of land in Mercer County.

KU has been part of Mercer County for more than 100 years. Nearly half of the county residents rely on them for energy service.

The company wants to provide a mix of generation resources including solar to meet environmental regulations.

The Mercer Coalition for Responsible Development and the judge-executive have expressed concerns about a move by LG&E and KU to transition from coal-fired plants to natural gas and solar.

"So these are all units that went into service in the ’70s. They are units that have served us and our customers reliably. You know, to make further investments that it might take to you know, prepare those for further increased changing environmental regulations is not cost efficient any longer," spokesperson Natasha Collins said.

Collins said the utility company will continue to have coal in the mix of nonrenewable energy resources, but as power plants age, they will have to be retired. They said new plants will be required to be more friendly to the environment.

"With natural gas combined cycle Units, they emit 65% less carbon per megawatt hour we know that compared to 2021 we’re going to be able to reduce our carbon emissions by 25% annually," Collins said.

The company has added livestock to manage the land around the solar panels in mercer county. Another way to help the environment.

"So, that it blends in with the native landscape. What we’ve done here with the sheep. So we’re grazing using 50 to 150 sheep at any point in the year to essentially mow the grass and to, to keep the grass low," Aron Patrick, director of research and development for LG&E and KU said.

The company claims the push for more solar power will also be good for the county's economy.

"That going to help us have the right mix of generation to keep rates affordable, which is something that attracts businesses here, not just in Mercer County, but across the bluegrass," Collins said.

LG&E and KU expect a decision from the Kentucky public service commission in November on the planned expansion. The public will get another chance to show support or opposition at a hearing in August.

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